Jitterbug Phones for Seniors: Plans and Costs
Combining affordable plans with safety features, Lively is one of the best options for senior cell phones. While the provider offers a number of phones, they offer only two Jitterbug phones––a smartphone and a flip phone. Either option will suit those searching for simplicity.
The Jitterbug Flip2 is a modern take on a flip phone, while the Jitterbug Smart4 is ideal for first-time smartphone users. Regardless of the phone you choose, you’ll have access to Lively’s affordable plans with optional safety features.
Discount Alert: As of December 2025, the Jitterbug Flip2 and Smart 4 are 75% off, bringing their prices down to $19.99 and $29.99, respectively.
Tip: A good cell phone is nothing without a quality network. Read our rundown of this year's best senior cell phone plans to find plans from $15 per month.
A Breakdown of Jitterbug Phone Plans
Unlike most cellular carriers, Lively has two types of plans: flip phone plans and smartphone plans. The former plan type is compatible with the Jitterbug Flip2, and the latter is compatible with both smartphones (for example, the Jitterbug Smart4) and third-party devices a person brings to Lively’s network.
Lively Flip Phone Plans
| Basic | Preferred | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $14.99 | $34.99 | $44.99 |
| 300 Minutes & 300 Texts | Included | Included | Included |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | $5 per month | $5 per month | $5 per month |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link App | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nurse On-Call | No | No | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | No | Yes |
| Lively Rides | Pay per ride | Pay per ride | Pay per ride |
Lively Smartphone & SIM Plans
| Basic | Preferred | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $19.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | Included | Included | Included |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link App | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nurse On-Call | No | No | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | No | Yes |
| Lively Rides | Pay per ride | Pay per ride | Pay per ride |
| 1GB Data | Included | Included | Included |
| 5GB Data | $5 per month | $5 per month | $5 per month |
| 10GB Data | $15 per month | $15 per month | $15 per month |
| Unlimited Data | $30 per month | $30 per month | $30 per month |
Lively Plan Features
In addition to talk, text and data, Lively plans come with some optional features tailored toward older adults:
Urgent response: In an emergency, we can press the dedicated button on the top of our Smart4 screen and connect to an agent who can trace our location and send help if necessary, similar to a medical alert system. Easy access to 911 is essential for people with medical conditions and mental disorders, who are more frequent 911 callers.1
Lively Rides: With Lively Rides, Jitterbug users can contact an operator to arrange Lyft rides, with no app required. That's great, since studies have shown that technology may be a barrier to older adults' ride-share access.2
Lively Link: Using this app on his smartphone, one of our partners received notifications each time we pressed our Urgent Response button. He could also check on the location and the battery level of our Smart4.
Care Advocate: Care advocates conduct an initial screening and help the user create a Care Plan that encompasses health, financial planning and personal care.
Nurse On-Call: Nurse On-Call allowed us to speak directly with registered nurses and doctors who provided us with medical advice and could even prescribe common medications over the phone.
Overage Charges
Unlike Consumer Cellular, which will automatically upgrade your service plan if you go over your monthly allowance, Lively will charge you for the overage at $0.05 for every additional MB of data.
Jitterbug Flip2
At $79.99 plus a $35 activation fee, the Jitterbug Flip2 is the more affordable of Lively's two device options. With its classic flip phone design, it's also the simpler model.
For the user looking to make calls, send text messages and snap the occasional photo, the Jitterbug Flip2 is ideal. With its large buttons, voluble speaker and sizable screen, this phone is a breeze to use. Additionally, this phone boasts an M4/T4 rating for hearing aid compatibility.
To learn more about this phone, read our Jitterbug Flip2 review.
Jitterbug Flip2 Video Review
Jitterbug Smart4
Like Flip2, the Jitterbug Smart4 uses a list-based menu to simplify phone operations. In our experience, this device was much more intuitive than similar Androids with icon-based menus. We also appreciated that, like any Android phone, it had Google Assistant. This allows a user to use voice commands to activate just about any of the phone's features.
At $119.99 plus a $35 activation fee, the phone costs a bit more than its predecessor. For those seeking a phone with longer battery life and faster speeds, however, the Smart4 is worth the cost of entry, especially when you compare it to other smartphones on the market.
To learn more about our experience, read our Jitterbug Smart4 review.
FYI: Smartphones are the most commonly purchased tech device for U.S. adults ages 50 or older, purchased by 26 percent of seniors in the past year, as of 2024.3
Jitterbug Smart4 Video Review
Additional Phones
While Lively formerly sold only Jitterbug phones, the company now offers a variety of additional devices. As of December 2025, these devices include:
- iPhone SE (2020) Pre-Owned: $189.99
- iPhone 12 Pre-Owned: $329.99
- iPhone 13 Pre-Owned: $419.99
- BLU View 5 PRO: $59.99
Plans for these devices will be the same as those listed in the Smartphone & SIM Plans table. These plans will also be your options when bringing your own device to Lively’s network and using one of their SIM cards.
Compare Jitterbug to Other Brands
Recap
While modern cell phones have a reputation for being beyond the capabilities of older adults, the Jitterbug lineup proves that this is not the case. With a combination of simplicity, wellness features and affordable service plans, each Lively device is tailored to keep seniors connected to their loved ones with little hassle.
To learn more about the best cell phones for seniors, check out our guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Lively Urgent Response different from similar medical alert services?
Unlike a medical alert system, Lively’s service is not confined to medical emergencies, since it can also be used to contact roadside assistance. The service does not, however, include fall detection on Lively phones.
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What makes the Jitterbug Flip2 so easy to use?
Through a combination of large buttons, a bright screen and an intuitive menu design, the Jitterbug Flip2 is designed to have no learning curve whatsoever. Additionally, it’s accessible to people with vision and hearing impairments.
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Do I have to sign a contract for Lively service?
The longest commitment you’ll have to make with Lively is for just one month. You will never be asked to sign a long-term agreement.
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Are roaming and long-distance calls included with Lively?
Lively includes roaming and long-distance calls for free if they are in the U.S. There are additional charges for international calls and texts outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, El Salvador or Puerto Rico.
- Jamaica: $0.40 per minute
- United Kingdom: $0.06 per minute
- Germany: $0.07 per minute
- Everywhere else outside the U.S.: $1 per minute or $1.35 per minute for Unlimited plan customers
